Car-coupling.



R. D. GALLAGHBR, J3.

GAB. GOUPLING.

APPLIUMLOH FILED JUNE 2o, 190s.

Patented July 6, 1909.

Aww l R.l D. GALLAGHER, JB.

OAR GOUILING.

APPLIUATION rum; JUNE 2o, 190s.

927, 138.` Pand July 6, 1909.

R. D. GALLAGHBR, JE.

Patented July 6, 1909.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3Y atboznuf" R. D. GALLAGHER, Jn. GAR COUPLING.

- APPLICATION FILED JUNE 20, 1908. 927 ,138, Patent'd July 6, 1909.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 4.

RICHARD D. GALLAG-HER, JR., OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

CAR-COU'PLING.

Specieaton of Letters Patent.

Application iled June 20, 1908.

Patented July 6, 1909.

Serial N0. 439,588.

To all whom it lmay concern:

Bie it known that lf, RionAnD D. GALLA- GIIEn, Jr., a citizen ol' the United States, residing in the city, county, and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Car-Couplers; and l do hereby declare the following to be a full, clear, and exact description of the saine, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, forming a part of this specification, and to the figures and letters of refer ence marked thereon.

This invention. relates to car couplers of the so-called Janney or M. C. B. type of f coupler.

The object of the invention is to provide an improved operating mechanism, whereby the coupler is .rendered .fully autoi'natic with the employment of few and simply constructed parts so arranged in the coupler head as to give a maximum strength and resistance to destination under excessive strains.

A further object of the invention is to provide a structure which may be utilized to the V greatest advantage in connection with the so-called radial mounting of the couplers, without permitting appreciable slack or pivotal action between cooperating couplers.

A further object of the invention is to provide an improved form of locking mechanism for the knuckle einboilying a means whereby the lock may be set in its open or unlocking position and automatically tripped bj; the movement of the knuckle itself when cars are separated, thereby restoring the parts to position for automatic rengagement when the cars arc again brought together.

Referring to the accompanying drawings: Figure l is a top plan view ol' a coupler em.- bodjying the present improvements, a portion of the under frame of the car being indicated in dotted lines. Fig. 2 is a sectional plan view embodying the unlocking mechanism and omitting the car frame. Fig. 3 is a vertical section taken on the irregular line of Fig. 2. Fig. 4 is a section of the coupler head and working parts, said section being taken on the line 4lof Fig. 2. Fig. 5 is a plan view of the knuckle, and Fig. 5EL is a vertical section on the line 5-5 of Fig. 5. Fig. 6 is a top plan view of the lock set, and Fig. 7 is an elevation of the same, looking in the direction of the arrow 7 in Fig. 6. Fig. S is a detail half-scction and elevation of a portion of the head, the lower end of the knuckle pin and cup for retaining the pin in place. Fig. 9 is a sectional plan showing in full lines the knuckle in normal iiosition with 'the lock disengaged and held by the lock set and in dotted lines the knuckle partially open and the .lock set moved into position for releasing the lock. Fig. 10 is a similar view with the knuckle open in full lines and with the knuckle partly returned to closed position in dotted lines, the dotted lines also indicating the positions of the lock and lock set during the return movement of the knuckle.

Similar characters of reference indicate the same parts in all the views.

The coupler head or rigid integral portion. of the coupling is indicated by the letter il, and it will be understood that this head may be provided with a sh ank A of any suitable character, but, as shown, the shank is adapted to form a portion. of a centering mechanism A2, the details of which it is unnecessary to describe, inasmuch as the specific construction forms no part of the invention of the present application. Fivotally mounted in the head at its forward end, is a knuckle B, shown in detail in Figs. 5 and 5a. The forward hook end of the knuckle preferably conforms in contour lines `to the contour lines of the approved types of M. C. B. couplers now in common use, and the same is true of those portions of the face of the head with which the cooperating knuckle is adapted to contact or engage. 'lhe rear end of the shank B of the knuckle is given a proper conformation for cooperation with the horizontally swinging lock set, thus, as shown in said Figs. 5 and 5, the said shank is provided at l) with a curved lock engaging face, the arc of the curve corresponding to the arc traversed. by the engaging face of the lock C, indicated in F 2. The shank B is further extended in the form of a hook (2, adapted to pass around or behind a boss or hub (l, usuallyT constituting one of the pin. supports lor the pivot pin of the lock set, as will be hereinafter described. The end face t2 is made substantialbT concentric with the axis of the knuckle and is adapted to receive or support the lock during a portion of the forward opening and all of the closing movements of the knuckle, as will also be hereinafter described. A cam adapted to cooperate with the lock set extends p artially around the hub of the knuckle, one face b3 of said cam being made substantially concentric with the of the knuckle and the other face t4, which merges into the face b3, being made concentric or of diminishing radius toward the front or outer end of the knuckle, whereby the lo ek 4set may be held without movement on its axis during that portion of the movement of the knuckle near the outer extreme of its movement and will be permitted to swing forwardly on its axis during that portion of the movement of the knuckle in proximity to its closed position.

The lock set illustrated in Figs. 2 and 3 and in detail in Figs. 6 and 7, is an irregularly shaped body having a hub D adapted to be pivotally mounted on a pin D, riveted in the ,j boss d at the bottom of the coupler head and in a corresponding boss d at the top of the coupler head. The lock set is provided with a knuckle-cam engaging face l5, and with a lock engaging face or projection D3, the portion of the periphery of the lock set forward of the lock engaging projection or face E being made concave at D1, the radius of the curve being such that the lock set is moved rearwardly a slight distance by the lock when the latter is swung from the position indicated in Fig. 2, into its unlocking position, whereby the lo ck set is adapted to drop in behind the lock for retaining it in such unlocking position, as indicated in F ig. 9. For giving ample support to the lock set, it is conveniently provided with arc or other properly shaped top and bottom projections or wear-faces D5 and D, such projections or wear faces being adapted to contact er co-y operate with corresponding faces or projections dr at the top of the coupler head, Fig. 3, and d" at the bottom of the coupler head, Fig. 2, the latter projection also serving as a guide and support for a Van Dorn hook in case the coupler is used in cooperation wit-h a Van Dorn coupler such as is now in common use.

The lock or latch C, Figs. 2 and 3, is pivotally mounted on a vertical lock pin C, journaled in the coupler head and at its outer end is provided with a knuckle engaging face c and a lock set engaging projection c. The lock pin C is provided with an operating arm or lever' C2 and a coiled spring C3, usually housed within the hub of the lever for ref, turning the lock to its locking position. The

lever C2 is connected through a link c3 with a bell crank lever C, pivotally mounted on the shank A of the coupler in proximity to its axis, and the opposite end of the bell crank lever is loosely connected through a link C5, bell crank C, and link C7, with a cranked operating shaft CS, usually extending up through the buffer beam into convenient position for operation by a brakeman, the loose connection being provided, in order to permit of the radial movement of the coupler, with# out disturbing the position of the lock. Such loose connection may conveniently consist of a slot and pin connection c5, the range of free movement, however, being such that the operating shaft will take up the free movement preliminary to the movement of the lock, as will be readily understood.

In the preferred arrangement and con struction of the cars a single spring is employed, both for advancing or holding the lock set up to its work, and for opening the knuckle when released from the lock. This spring, which is preferably of the coiled type, is conveniently mounted on a spool F, carried by a through pinf in the coupler head in rear of the knuckle shank, one end G of the spring being extended to engage the rear side of the lock set and the opposite end G of the spring being extended and bent angularly to engage in a recess g in the knuckle at a point in rear of its axis. Extreme forward movement of the end G of the spring, as for instance when the knuckle is removed, is limited by its contact with a projection of lange g2, Fig. Ll, extending upwardly from the bottom of the coupler head, thus the end of the spring will be normally held in position to properly enter the recess in the knuckle when the latter is placed in position in the coupler head without thought or attention on the part of the workmen.

As has been before stated herein, the hook B of the knuckle p asses behind the hub d for the lock set, and thus would retain the knuckle in position in the head, even though its pivot pin were broken or lost, but in order to still further guard against the withdrawal of the knuckle in case of accidental breakage or loss of the 1 in, the upper projecting edge of the cam at 3, (Fig. 5a), is adapted to pass behind a concentric shoulder a3, shown in section in Fig. e, and in dotted lines in Fig. l.

The coupler of the present invention is primarily designed for use on passenger coaches adapted for suburban, as well as through line tral'lic and in ears adapted for such use there is little available space for the coupling and attachments appurtenant thereto. Fo instance, it is difficult to insert or remove the pivot pins of the knuckle, because of interference with otherportions of the car structure, and it is likewise desirable that projections above and below the body ofthe coupler heads should be avoided. ln the present arrange ment, have provided a means whereby the pivot pin may be securely held in place, may be removed downwardly and does not project above the upper face of the head. Suchsecuring means embodies a cup H, S, adapted for the reception of the lower end of the knuckle pin The cup is provided with a flange h adapted to pass transversely of the pin into an open-sided socket or recess ll in the bottom face of the coupler head, and when seated in said socket or recess the cup cavity alines with the pin bearings, and the pin having been previously inserted, is free to drop into the cup by which it is retained in place and in turn itself retains or locks the cup in its socket or bearing in the head. rlhe bottom of the cup is conveniently provided with an aperture of less diameter' than the pin through which drainage may take place and through which an instrument may be inserted for lifting the pin when it is desired to remove the cup, pin and knuckle.

As appurtenant to, but not constituting any portion of the invention of the present application, but forming the subject-matter of a contemporaneous application, the coupler mechanism heretofore illustrated and described forms parts of a coupler head having an extended guard arm K on the front side ofthe knuckle hook and an inclined face proj ection or guard arm abutment L on the rear side of the knuckle hook. The extremity of the guard arm K is preferably made so as to yield slightly under considerable resistance, and the guard arm and projection L of cooperating couplers are adapted to contact both for positioning the knuckles with relation to each other and for holding the couplers in alinement. This construction relieves shock which would occur when the couplers are brought together, admits of a certain limited amount ol llexibility in the coupling and permits of the making of a very tight couping, inasmuch as the coupler mechanism may be brought close together.

The operation of the working parts of the coupler will be readily understood from an inspection of Figs. 2, 9 and l0. In Fig. 2 the parts arc shown with the knuckle in its closed position, or in the position it would occupy when in engagement with a coperating knuckle. In Fig. 9, in full lines, the lock has been moved through the instrumentalities before mentioned so as to cause the lock set to be first moved toward the rear against the tension ol.E its spring, and then released from the projection on the lock so as to advance in front of the projection, thereby retaining the lock in its unlocking position. The knuckle in moving lromthe position indicated in full lines to that indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 9, operates through the cam b4 to again `move the lock set rearwardly a su'llicient distance to release the lock, but in making its forward. movement the shank or inner' face of the knuckle moves in lront of the lock and when the latter is released from the lock set it swings against the end face of the knuckle and is prevented from further forward movement, although the knuckle is free to continue its forward movement to the position indicated in iull lines in Fig. 1 0, where it is shown as fully open. During the latter portion ol its movement the lock set rides upon the concentric portion olE the cam face and neitherI resists nor aids in the movement of the knuckle when it has reached the position indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 10, the lock i set still working against the face of the cam swings forwardly, but does not again engage and hold the lock inasmuch as the projection c has advanced in front of the lock set and prevents further l'orward movement of the latter. Any pressure exerted by the spring of the lock set itself only tends to turn the lock into its locking position and this movement of the lock immediately takes place as soon as the knuckle has returned to the position indicated in Fig. 2. The arrangement is such that the lock may be moved to its unlocking position and left so that the cars will automatically uncouple when drawn apart, but the parts will automatically reposition themselves ready for reengagement when the knuckle is again turned to its closed position, as by the entry of a cooperating knuckle in the well understood manner. By removing the knuckle pin it is obvious that the forward turning movement of the knuckle may be continued and the knuckle entirely removed without alli'ecting the adjustment or position ol the remaining parts of the coupler. The knuckle may be reinserted with equal facility, and when reinserted, the concentric projection or cam and the hook at the inner end ofthe knuckle insure its proper entry and the proper reengagement ol the end of the spring with the rear side ot the knuckle. The spring operates to throw the knuckle toits open position should it be desired simply to set the coupling for engagement with a cooperating coupling, and hence there is no need for a trainman to pass between the cars for any purpose.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed as new and desired to be secured by Letters-Patent, is:

1. In a car coupler, the combination with the coupler head, horizontally swinging knuckle mounted therein and hcn'izontallj,T swinging lock cooperating with the inner part ol the knuckle l'or holding the same in closed position, ol' a horizontally swinging lock set cooperating with the lock to hold the same in its unlocking position, and a cam on the knuckle cooperating with the lock set l'or moving the same to release the lock.

In a car coupler, the combination with the coupler head, horizontally swinging knuckle mounted therein and horizontallyv swinging lock cooperating with the inner part ol' the knuckle, of a horizontally swinging lock set cooperating with the lock to hold the same in its unlocking position, and a cam ol forwardly diminishing radius on the knuckle cooperating with the lock set during the opening movement ol the knuckle to release the lock ready l'or subsequent reengagement with the knuckle.

3. In a coupler, the combination with the coupler head, horizontally swinging knuckle mounted therein and horizontally swinging lock cooperating with the inner part oi' the knuckle to hold the same in its closed position, oi a horizontally swinging lock set, cooperating shoulders on the lock and lock set, whereby in one position the lock set retains the lock and in another position the lock retains the lock set against forward movement, and a cani on the knuckle l'or moving the lock set to release the lock.

et. In a coupler, the combination with the coupler head, a horizontally swinging knuckle therein and horizontally swinging lock cooperating with the inner part oi the knuckle, ol' a horizontally swinging lock set cooperating with the lock to hold the same in its unlocking position and a cam on the knuckle having a concentric l'ace and a lace olA diminishing radius merging into the said concentric lace for cooperation with the lock set in moving the latter to release the lock and hold the lock set against lorward movement.

5. ln a coupler, the combination with the coupler head, horizontally swinging lock cooperating with the inner part oill the knuckle, ol' a horizontally swinging lock set, an inclined 'lace on said lock set with which the lock cooperates to move the lock set rearwardly, a shoulder on the lock set for holding the lock in its unlocking position, and a cam on the knuckle cooperating with the lock set to move the same rearwardly and release the lock irom said shoulder.

o. ln a coupler, the combination with the coupler head, horizontally swinging knuckle mounted therein and horizontally swinging lock cooperating with the inner part ol' the knuckle, oi' a horizontally swinging lock set having a path ol` movement parallel with and overlying the path oi movement oi' the inner part ol' the knuckle, cooperating Vl'aces on the lock set and lock, whereby the latter is held in its unlocking position and cooperating l'aces on the knuckle and lock set, whereby the lock set is moved rearwardly by the opening o'l' the knuckle to release the lock ready i'or reongagement.

7. ln a car coupler, the combination with the coupler head, horizontally swinging knuckle mounted therein and having an inwardly extending shank formed into a rearwardly opening hook and the horizontally swinging lock cooperating with the shank of the knuckle, of a lock set overlying the shank of the knuckle, a pivot hub for the lock set with which the rearwardly opening hook of the shank cooperates, and a cam on the knuckle for :moving the lock set rearwardly to release the lock.

8. ln a car coupler, the combination with the coupler head, horizontally swinging ln uckle mounted therein and horizontally swinging lock cooperating with the shank of the knuckle, of a horizontally swinging lock set overlying the shank of the knuckle, a pivot hub for said lock set behind which the shank of the knuckle passes, a cam projection on the knuckle for moving the lock set to release the lock, and a should er on the coupler head with which said cam projection cooperates, substantially as described.

9. ln a coupler, the combination with the coupler head, horizontally swinging knuckle mounted therein having an inwardly extending shank, and a horizontally swinging lock for cooperation with the said shank, oi a horizontally swinging lock set movable in parallelism with the shank of the knuckle and overlying the same, a cam on the knuckle for moving the lock set to release the lock and cooperating bearing laces on the lock set and top and bottom of the coupler head respectively at points remote from the axis of the lock set.

l0. ln a coupler such as described, the combination with the coupler head, horizontally swinging knuckle, horizontally swinging lock, and horizontally swinging lock set with cooperating faces on said parts, whereby the lock is retained in its unlocking position by the lock set, and the lock set is moved by the knuckle to release the look, of a single spring mounted in the coupler head and cooperating at one end with the knuckle to open the same and at the opposite end with the lock set for advancing the same to its operative position.

11. ln a coupler such as described, the combination with the coupler head, horizontally swinging knuckle, horizont ally swinging lock and horizontally swinging lock set, of a spring mounted in the coupler head and cooperating with the lock set and knuckle, and a shoulder in the coupler head forming a stop for holding the end of the spring in position to cooperate with an entering knuckle.

l2. ln a coupler, the combination with the coupler head, horizontally swinging knuckle mounted therein, horizontally swinging lock and horizontally swinging lock set, all pivotally mounted on independent axes, oi acoiled spring mounted in the coupler head and cooperating at one end with the lock set and at the other end with the knuckle, substantially as described.

RCHARD l). GALLAGHER, JR.

Witnesses:

ELIZABETH M. URQUHART, A. HAMILTON COOKE. 

